But Mitrione, a former professional football player and the man who booted Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson from the octagon, isn’t intimidated in the least.

In fact, Mitrione said challenges like Kongo are exactly what drew him to the sport in the first place. A win here, Mitrione says, would provide him exactly what he’s currently seeking: job security.

“I want them to not fire me,” Mitrione said when asked about his current goals in the UFC’s heavyweight division. “That’s what I’m most concerned about. I want to have job security. After I beat Cheick, cool, let me get one more fight on the contract, and I’ll be good.”

It’s a typical Mitrione response – one veiled in humor but based firmly in reality.

Mitrione began his UFC career as a heel on “The Ultimate Fighter 10,” and his behavior on the Spike TV series seemed to suggest “Meathead” wasn’t long for the sport. But over the past two years, Mitrione has slowly transformed into a fan-favorite, and his skills have developed along with his persona.

A Chris Lytle protege, Mitrione has added stints at Roufusport and Xtreme Couture to his training regimen, and his performances in the octagon reflect his dedication to the sport.

Now he faces Kongo, a longtime veteran with considerably more seasoning and a more-respected striking attack. The Frenchman is also riding the high of a miraculous come-from-behind win over Pat Barry, and Mitrione admits the June result was incredibly impressive.

However, that’s exactly the type of opponent he wants, Mitrione insists.

“[Kongo’s comeback win] was phenomenal,” Mitrione said. “It was great. Cheick Kongo, his chin is whatever it is, but he’s resilient as hell. He doesn’t get knocked out easily. When he got yoked by Frank Mir, he actually took Frank Mir down and tried to wrestle Frank Mir.

“Cheick is salty. That’s going to be a real test for me. But honestly, I’m excited. That’s why I started fighting. I want to be tested. I want to see how tough I am or how tough I’m not.”

Kongo is known primarily as a striker, and rightfully so, but his wrestling has improved over the years, and only the division’s very grapplers have been able to put him down with ease. However, Kongo’s chin is often seen as a bit questionable, and that may prove Mitrione’s biggest advantage.

The biggest question mark revolves around the experience level of the two fighters. The UFC lists Kongo’s professional record as 26-6-2, while Mitrione has had just five total career fights.

Mitrione believes his skills will be put to the test, and the winner will ultimately be decided by how many of the pair’s career lessons can be applied within a 15-minute timeframe – and if his own natural athleticism can help make up any potential gap.

“I don’t take Cheick lightly,” Mitrione said. “Cheick is a really serious contender. There’s been a lot of times that he’s so resilient, he doesn’t stop.

“I think he’s got seven or eight times the fights that I do. I’ve got five, and he’s got 40. But that’s kind of the fun part. We get to see if my athleticism can make up for his learning curve and if my learning curve can catch up and pass his.”

UFC 137 is stacking up on paper as one of the best cards of the year. And while the evening’s high-profile main-event switch has garnered the majority of headlines to date, Mitrione vs. Kongo could provide some of the night’s best fireworks.

Mitrione isn’t making predictions on the result of the fight, but he thinks the bout will produce a clear-cut winner, either way.

“I’m just going to try and punch him in his face,” Mitrione said. “I’m going to punch him. I’m going to kick him. If he wants to go to the ground, I’ll do my best to submit him.

“I can tell you where it’s not going: It’s not going to a decision. Either I’m going to sleep or he’s going to sleep or getting submitted. It’s one of the two. But I’m telling you, we’re going to dance the dance, that’s for sure.”

For more on UFC 137, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.
(Pictured: Matt Mitrione)

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